Abstract
The metabolic response of trauma may mimic infection and the reliability of serological parameters for diagnosing infection may be questionable. We prospectively assessed the changes in the acute inflammatory markers, febrile response and the immune profiles cytokine activation and collagen markers of 101 patients following primary hip arthroplasty and their association with infection.
Method: The clinical outcome of 101 patients was monitored. Serological analysis was performed pre-operatively and on the second and 8th post-operative day as well as in an out patient clinic 6 weeks following surgery. The serological markers included total white blood cell count along with T and B lymphocyte function. Levels of CD4, CD8 and CD56 were analysed for T helper, T Cytotoxic cell and Natural Killer cell activity. Inflammatory makers included plasma viscosity and CRP. Cytokine assays included IL-1, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF. Collagen markers included P1CP and P1NP as markers of Type I and Type III collagen synthesis. Serological titers of Staph. Aureus and Staph. Epidermis were performed pre-operatively and on day 8 and week 6 following surgery.
Results: Post-operative complications included 19 UTI, 11 chest infections and three URTI and six a confirmed deep vein thrombosis. Wound complications included 10 patients with wound erythema and 4 patients had pus discharge. 20 patients had elevated ASO titers and 19 patients had raised Staph. Epidermis titers.
Statistical comparison of WBC, Plasma viscosity, temperature profiles and T helper,
T cytotoxic cell and NK cell assays is not different between patients with and without systemic infection or raised titres of Staph. Aureus or Staph. Epidermis. Collagen markers were significantly higher in wound complications.
Conclusion: The acute phase responses following surgery and metabolic response to trauma obscures the changes seen in infective complications up to six weeks post-operatively. The use of serological parameters that are components of the acute phase response of surgery does not allow differentiation of infection from normal physiological changes.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Mr Peter Kay. Correspondence should be address to him at The Hip Centre, Wrightington Hospital, Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancashire WN6 9EP.
